The Friends of Mr Cairo is the second album by Jon and Vangelis, released in 1981. The second album-length collaboration between Jon Anderson and Vangelis is almost perfect in its blending of elements. The title track, “The Friends of Mr Cairo”, peaked at No. 1 on the Canadian singles chart in late 1981, though this track was not a hit elsewhere. “State of Independence” was later a hit single for Donna Summer, and a decade later for Moodswings which catapults the listener into a star-traveling future, with Chrissie Hynde on vocal. Anderson also later re-recorded that song on his solo album Change We Must, released in 1994.

The title track and its accompanying music video serve as an ode to classic Hollywood films of the 1930s and 1940s. Most notable references are to the classic film noirThe Maltese Falcon. The track incorporates sound effects and voice impressions of the stars of the era, most notably Humphrey Bogart, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, and Jimmy Stewart. At the beginning of the track, the screeching of tires and a car horn are heard, presumably as a car makes an attempted getaway, which then gives way to the sound of gunfire.

Side one
1. The Friends Of Mr. Cairo (12:04)
2. Back To School Boogie (5:06)
3. Outside And Inside (5:00)

Side two
1. State Of Independence (7:53)
2. Beside (4:08)
3. The Mayflower (6:35)